Dining Plan Idea?

[madcam]

I am sure this question has been asked before so let me appologize for any redundancy. We are doing the dining plan with our (will be) 7 yr old and our 2 yr old. The 2 year old does not qualify for the dining plan. Can we give her the 7 yr old's kid meal that comes with the plan and order off the regular menu (out of pocket) for the older one. The baby loves chicken nuggets, peanut butter and jelly and all the other less-than-inspiring choices on the kids menu. But my older one eats chinese, greek, mexican, seafood, sushi, you name it.....she likes it all. She does not eat very big quantities of food, so I figure between this idea and having plenty left over to share, this would work out best for us. Will the restaurants have a problem with this? Also, does anyone know if or when they are going to change the dining plan to give us the choice of whether or not to purchace a "regular" dining plan for kids who would rather not eat nuggets, jello, and uncrustables for a solid week or more? I do not seem to be the only one with this concern. Thanks!

 

[LizinSTL]

I am sure this question has been asked before so let me appologize for any redundancy. We are doing the dining plan with our (will be) 7 yr old and our 2 yr old. The 2 year old does not qualify for the dining plan. Can we give her the 7 yr old's kid meal that comes with the plan and order off the regular menu (out of pocket) for the older one. The baby loves chicken nuggets, peanut butter and jelly and all the other less-than-inspiring choices on the kids menu. But my older one eats chinese, greek, mexican, seafood, sushi, you name it.....she likes it all. She does not eat very big quantities of food, so I figure between this idea and having plenty left over to share, this would work out best for us. Will the restaurants have a problem with this? Also, does anyone know if or when they are going to change the dining plan to give us the choice of whether or not to purchace a "regular" dining plan for kids who would rather not eat nuggets, jello, and uncrustables for a solid week or more? I do not seem to be the only one with this concern. Thanks!

I think that' s a perfect idea. You may want to plan a few buffets for your family. A 7 year old adventurous eater would enjoy them (like Boma or Cape May perhaps) and the 2 year old eats free. As far as counter service goes, order the kids meal for your little one and then share with your older child or order something OOP if necessary (you may find it is NOT necessary at all)!!!

There are really lots of options for kids on the dining plan. Don't worry. Table service restaurants (especially buffets) are great for kids w/ adult tastes and families with kids under 3 since those kiddos eat for free. Counter service breakfasts for kids are the same choices as for adults and nearly as big- order kids meals at CS for breakfast and share adult CS meals at lunch time w/ the kids and you'll still have plenty to eat.

Someone posted a list of TS and CS kids meals that showed the variety available but I can't find it right now. It was a pretty comprehensive list that highlighted that there really is quite a bit of choice available. Sugar-free jello aside, there's tons of food on the DDP and lots to share at CS meals, especially when you consider a rather large TS meal at some point in the day as well.

 

[illiniowl]

Also, does anyone know if or when they are going to change the dining plan to give us the choice of whether or not to purchace a "regular" dining plan for kids who would rather not eat nuggets, jello, and uncrustables for a solid week or more? I do not seem to be the only one with this concern. Thanks!

You could ask to rebook your 7 y/o as a 10 y/o, but there are at least 3 consequences to this: (a) you'd have to pay the adult DDP rate for her (although not a concern if you have the free DDP, obviously); (b) you'd have to upgrade her MYW ticket to an adult ticket (if you are on a package as opposed to staying on DVC points); and (c) if you return to WDW (or go to DL) before your daughter actually turns 10 and try to purchase something for her (like the DDP or MYW tickets) at a child's rate, Disney's computers will already have her marked as an adult and you might encounter some resistance (which you should ultimately be able to overcome with her birth certificate, but still, it may be a hassle). I'd stick with your original plan and LizinSTL's advice.

 

[madcam]

Thanks y'all!! Gotta love the DIS!!!